From the Green to the Screen: Pasadena Charity Kicks Off Week-Long Jazz Festival

A Pasadena nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate on Tuesday commenced a week of jazz-themed entertainment as the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its annual fundraiser, “Jazz on the Green,” to be reimagined online as “Jazz on the Screen.”

“While a social gathering is not possible this year, Friends In Deed has planned this year’s celebration to be interactive and the event will continue to support those who can’t be ‘safe at home’ – the homeless and disadvantaged of our community,” Friends in Need said in a written statement.

Friends In Deed has arranged a lineup of online activities, including video playlists from local jazz artists, a mystery wine pull, a silent auction, and videos highlighting this year’s honorees.

The event will close with a live video broadcast at 7:30 p..m on Saturday, organizers said.

Pandemic or not, “The show must go on,” according to Richard Cheung, who serves as Friends In Deed’s board president. “Our most vulnerable neighbors need us more than ever. We may not be able to gather in person, but you can certainly participate and support our programs with this year’s Jazz on the Screen.”

Friends In Deed Executive Director Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater agreed.

“In these challenging times, community support is even more critical to continue to provide our services with the compassion, connection, and dignity that our guests and clients have come to love and appreciate,” Grater said. “The number of people in need is growing by the week, and Jazz on the Screen is a great way to join us and ensure we can help as many people as possible.”

Funds raised through the event will be used to support the Friends In Deed Food Pantry, the Women’s Room day shelter, the Bad Weather Shelter, the Street Outreach Team, and the Homelessness Prevention Rental Assistance Program, Friends In Deed representatives said.

This year’s honorees include Oliver and Susan Stark, the Grocery Outlet of Altadena, and the First Congregational Church of Pasadena, organizers said.

“These individuals and organizations have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the needs of the Pasadena community and are dedicated supporters of Friends In Deed’s mission and programs,” according to the statement.

“For her service to Friends In Deed as a board member as well as with the United Methodist Church, Bishop Beverly Shamana is our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient,” the statement said.

The activities can be accessed online at one.bidpal.net/fidjazz2020/welcome.